Factors associated with successful publication of abstracts in women malignancies: Are we closing the gender gap?

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Background: We aimed to determine abstract characteristics associated with successful peer-reviewed publication after presentation at ASCO annual meeting in the women’s malignancy category (breast & gynecologic cancer). Awareness of this could help meeting organizers & attendees understand factors associated with impactful abstracts. Methods: All oral & poster abstracts (OA: n = 53 & PA: n = 527) in Breast (Loco/Regional/Adjuvant & Metastatic) & Gynecologic cancers category (2017 & 2018 meeting) were included. Subsequent publication was confirmed by searching PubMed by title, names of first & last authors for abstracts published by January 2021. Time to online publication, US or foreign journal publication & impact factor (IF) were recorded. We also recorded number of authors, single/ multi-institution studies & gender of first/ last author, which was confirmed by viewing biography details on their institutional websites. Descriptive analysis was performed & association between above factors & publication matrix was analyzed using multiple logistic regression model, Chi-square and t-test. Results: 45/53 OA (85%) & 269/527 PA (51%) were published in peer-reviewed journals. Median number of authors for published PA was 12 vs 11 for unpublished (p = 0.24). Females (F) presented 34% (18/53) OA & 49.3% (260/527) PA. 55% (143/260) PA presented by female authors & 47.1% (126/267) presented by male (M) authors (p = 0.073) were published. No difference in publication between single vs multi-institution studies (p = 0.76) for PA was noted. Average time to journal publication for OA & PA was 15.45 (SD +/- 3.37) & 17.73 (SD +/- 1.27) months (mo) respectively. Mean IF for OA was 27.95 (SD+/- 6.18) while for PA was 10.96 (SD+/- 1.75). For published OA, 33% (15/45) had female first & 29% (13/45) had female last authors. For published PA, 50.2% (135/269) had female first while only 37.5% (101/269) had female last authors. There was no association between gender of last author to IF (p = 0.39), single vs multi-institution study (p = 0.48) or time to publication (p = 0.44) for PA. Conclusions: More than 75% of OA & 50% of PA were successfully published regardless of gender, number of authors or institutions involved. We observe a slight disparity in senior authorship for females and although this was not statistically significant, we are encouraged that the gap is closing in first authorship.[Table: see text]

Chronic pelvic ischemia: etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and management

Overactive Bladder (OAB) and Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) although common, are vaguely defined and difficult to diagnose and manage etiologies of storage--type lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The lack of optimal management options is a direct consequence of deficient understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these conditions. These conditions are especially prevalent in females, and cumulative contemporary epidemiological, clinical and laboratory evidence implicates ischemia as one of the key players in the pathophysiologic foundation of both these disorders. Taken together they make up 'the' diagnostic as well as therapeutic black--hole in urologic practice. Much akin to chronic ischemic heart disease, chronic ischemia--reperfusion has been shown to cause degenerative changes at cellular and sub--cellular level in the bladder mucosa, smooth muscle fibers, and vesical neural and microvascular structures leading to a hypersensitive, hyperactive bladder initially, which with time invariably progresses into a failed, fibrotic and pressurized bladder. Diagnosis and management of these diseases are currently symptom focused and remains a source of much frustration. Consideration of role of ischemia connotates hope and could lead to a paradigm shift in the management of these patients with a completely new therapeutic armamentarium attacking the pathology itself.

Chronic pelvic ischemia: etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and management

Overactive bladder (OAB) and bladder pain syndrome (BPS) although common, are vaguely defined and difficult to diagnose and manage etiologies of storage-type lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The lack of optimal management options is a direct consequence of deficient understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these conditions. These conditions are especially prevalent in females, and cumulative contemporary epidemiological, clinical and laboratory evidence implicates ischemia as one of the key players in the pathophysiologic foundation of both these disorders. Taken together they make up "the" diagnostic as well as therapeutic black-hole in urologic practice. Much akin to chronic ischemic heart disease, chronic ischemia-reperfusion has been shown to cause degenerative changes at cellular and subcellular level in the bladder mucosa, smooth muscle fibers, and vesical neural and microvascular structures leading to a hypersensitive, hyperactive bladder initially, which with time invariably progresses into a failed, fibrotic and pressurized bladder. Diagnosis and management of these diseases are currently symptom focused and remains a source of much frustration. Consideration of role of ischemia connotates hope and could lead to a paradigm shift in the management of these patients with a completely new therapeutic armamentarium attacking the pathology itself. The aim of the current review is to provide a clinical thought perspective on the etiology/pathophysiology of chronic pelvic ischemia and its role as a precursor to the aforementioned conditions, and shed some light upon the potential management strategies to consider.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost (0.03 %) and travoprost (0.004 %) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost (0.03 %) and travoprost (0.004 %) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Subjects and methods: Patients with POAG were randomized to receive either bimatoprost or travoprost once daily. Detailed ocular examination was done and intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at 9.00 am, 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm at the baseline and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks of therapy. Results: A total of 31 patients were analysed. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (Bimatoprost group = 16; Travoprost group = 15). Both the groups had a statistically significant reduction from the baseline IOP at all follow up visits at 9.00 am, 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm. The mean IOP decreased from a baseline of 25 ± 2.32 mm Hg to 15.93 ± 1.79 mm Hg after 12 weeks in the bimatoprost group (p < 0.001), and from 24.2 ± 1.60 mm Hg to 16.53 ± 1.56 mm Hg in the travoprost group (p < 0.001). A better mean reduction of IOP was obtained with bimatoprost than with travoprost at the end of the study at 12 weeks (p = 0.03). Mild ocular redness was the commonest side effect in both the groups but was not significant in either group. Conclusion: Both drugs lowered IOP effectively but bimatoprost showed a greater reduction in the mean IOP than did travoprost at 12 weeks and both are safe for ocular use. Nepal J Ophthalmol 2013; 5(9):75-80 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v5i1.7831

Ocular myocysticercosis: Favorable outcomes with early diagnosis and appropriate therapy

Background: Ocular myocysticercosis is rare and a high index of suspicion is required for its diagnosis. Objective: To describe clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of ocular myocysticercosis. Cases: We describe a series of three patients who had different clinical presentations of ocular myocysticerocosis namely diplopia, restricted ocular motility and subconjunctival cyst. The treatment with oral albendazole and prednisolone was effective in all three cases. Conclusion: Favorable outcomes can be achieved with a high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and treatment with oral albendazole and prednisolone in patients with ocular myocysticercosis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6551 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 315-318

Anaesthesia for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It is relatively more complex than routine endoscopies and requires adequate patient sedation. Furthermore the patients often have co-morbidities. This article provides an overview of various anaesthetic drugs and the type of anaesthesiological support.

Blood transfusion requirement prediction in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty

The aim of this study was to identify the clinical factors associated with the need for peri-operative blood transfusion in non-anaemic patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. We prospectively evaluated 162 consecutive patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty. Analysis was performed to establish the relationship between all independent variables and the need for postoperative transfusion. Univariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between the need for postoperative blood transfusion and the pre-operative haemoglobin levels (P= 0.001), weight (P= 0.019) and age (P= 0.018). Multivariate analysis identified a significant relationship only between the need for transfusion and the pre-operative haemoglobin level (P= 0.0001). The pre-operative haemoglobin level of the patient was the only variable to independently predict the need for blood transfusion after primary hip or knee arthroplasty.

A systemic resistance inducing antiviral protein with N-glycosidase activity from Bougainvillea xbuttiana leaves

An antiviral protein from Bougainvillea xbuttiana leaves induced systemic resistance in host plants N. glutinosa and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba against TMV and SRV, respectively which was reversed by actinomycin D, when applied immediately or shortly after antiviral protein treatment. When the inhibitor was applied to the host plant leaves post inoculation, it was effective if applied upto 4 h after virus infection. It also delayed the expression of symptoms in systemic hosts of TMV. The inhibitor showed characteristic N-glycosidase activity on 25S rRNA of tobacco ribosomes, suggesting that it could also be interfering with virus multiplication through ribosome-inactivation process.

Spectrum of antibiogram against pathogens related to respiratory tract infections with a special reference to ceftibuten: a multicentric study

In a multicentric study at several leading hospitals of this country, microbiological assessment was carried out in 500 specimens from patients suffering from respiratory tract infections (RTIs; both upper and lower) for a period of 6 months from January, 1999 to June, 1999. The antibiotic sensitivity study was done in 201 isolates from 500 different specimens of throat swab, postpharyngeal swab, sinusitis drainage fluid, sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage (BL), etc. Ceftibuten, an orally active third generation cephalosporin showed encouraging results when compared with seven other selected antibiotics used for RTI. The majority of the patients with acute or chronic RTIs showed an excellent in vitro response to ceftibuten in the analysis of the isolates. Seventy to ninety per cent of the isolated respiratory pathogens were found to be sensitive to ceftibuten in vitro; which offers a promising alternative to other antibiotics included in this study.

Displaced intra-articular fractures of distal radius: a comparative evaluation of results following closed reduction, external fixation and open reduction with internal fixation

Fractures of the distal end of the radius are common injuries and are the commonest bony injury around the wrist. Management of these fractures has remained controversial as far as modality of treatment is concerned. In this study 90 adult cases of acute displaced intra-articular fractures of the lower end of the radius were classified according to Frykman's and AO classifications after obtaining radiographs in antero-posterior and lateral planes. These were randomly treated by one of three methods: (1) closed reduction and plaster immobilisation, (2) external fixation and (3) open reduction and internal fixation, and were followed for an average of 4 yr. In the final functional assessment (Sarmiento) the results were (1) plaster 43% good and excellent, 50% fair and 7% poor, (2) external fixator 80% good and excellent, 20% fair and poor results, (3) open reduction and internal fixation 63% good and excellent, 26% fair, 11% poor. We recommend that displaced severely comminuted intra-articular fractures should be treated with an external fixator.

Evaluation of visual outcome of cataract surgery in an Indian eye camp

AIM

To evaluate the results of cataract surgery performed in a rural Indian eye camp.

METHOD

The pre- and postoperative visual acuities and surgical complications were recorded prospectively in 6383 eyes undergoing cataract extraction for age related cataract in rural eye camps held in northern India in 1993-4. The best visual acuity and cause of poor outcome were recorded on 3908 eyes seen at 6 weeks' follow up.

RESULTS

Of 6383 operated eyes 94.8% had a visual acuity of less than 3/60 preoperatively, and 41% of the procedures were performed on patients who were bilaterally blind (less than 3/60 better eye). At discharge with standard aphakic spherical spectacles, 11.3% of eyes had an acuity of less than 6/60 (poor outcome), and 25.9% had an acuity of 6/18 or better. At 6 weeks' follow up 3908 eyes were examined (61.2%), of which, with best correction, 4.3% had poor outcome (acuity of less than 6/60) and 79.9% obtained 6/18 or better. Pre-existing eye pathology was responsible for poor outcome in 3.0% of eyes and surgical complications in 1.3% of eyes, of which corneal decompensation was the major cause (0.5%). In 237 eyes which received an intraocular lens implantation (IOL) in the camp, the visual acuity at discharge was 6/18 or better in 44.5% of eyes improving to 87.9% in the 157 eyes which were seen at 6 weeks' follow up. Poor outcome (less than 6/60) was seen in 5.7% of the eyes with an IOL at discharge improving to 1.9% at follow up.

CONCLUSION

This evaluation suggests that it is possible to obtain acceptable results from cataract extraction with experienced ophthalmologists in well conducted Indian eye camps. Better correction of aphakia at discharge from the camp would improve the immediate visual results, which is important as a significant number of patients do not return for follow up. The use of posterior chamber IOLs in the eye camp by experienced ophthalmologists, appeared to give satisfactory results, although further evaluation with a larger series of cases and more surgeons is required before it can be recommended.

Evaluation of efficacy of Dettol-H in hospital use

A study was conducted at Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, to elucidate the bactericidal effect of a new disinfectant having benzalkonium chloride (40%) + disodium edetate (1.5%) and commercially available as Dettol-H, in comparison with that of a disinfectant already in-use in this hospital and having chlorhexidine gluconate (7.5%) + cetrimide (15%) + isopropyl alcohol (commercially available as Alpilon). The modified Capacity test of Kelsey-Sykes and In-use test of Kelsey-Maurer were carried out using control strains and random gram positive and gram negative bacterial isolates from clinical specimens. The two disinfectant solutions were analysed at three dilutions viz. weak, recommended and strong. From the study it could be inferred that both Dettol-H and Alpilon were equally effective in recommended and strong dilutions against the organisms tested. Weak dilutions were not effective in both and hence Dettol-H and Alpilon are effective only if used in prescribed concentrations.

A simple high performance liquid chromatography assay for simultaneous determination of omeprazole and metronidazole in human plasma and gastric fluid

Antibiotics which are actively secreted into gastric fluid may be more efficacious in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in peptic ulcer disease. Other agents used in the treatment of this disease such as omeprazole or other anti-secretory agents may alter the secretion and/or distribution characteristics of antibiotics. In order to test the applicability of these concepts to metronidazole, a sensitive and specific high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was developed to quantitate omeprazole in plasma, and metronidazole in plasma and gastric fluid. The HPLC system consisted of a multi-phase column combining anion exchange and reversed phase separation (OmniPac Pax-500, Dionex), and a variable wavelength UV detector set at 254 nm. The mobile phase was a mixture of 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer:methanol:acetonitrile (60:20:20) with final pH adjusted to approximately 7.0. Metronidazole and omeprazole were extracted by adsorption onto a C2-bonded silica gel solid phase extraction column, and eluted with methanol. The extract was dried, reconstituted in a solution of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA), and then injected into the HPLC system. Under these conditions, metronidazole, omeprazole and ASA were well separated and recoveries in plasma were greater than 80%. Omeprazole could not be measured in gastric fluid because of rapid decomposition. Using 0.3 ml of sample, the assay sensitivity was less than 0.1 microgram ml-1 and linear up to 10 micrograms ml-1. Both intra- and inter-assay CV were greater than 15%. It was applied successfully in determining metronidazole concentrations in clinical samples of plasma and gastric fluid.

Resistance to quinolones in pathogens causing urinary tract infections

157 bacterial isolates from cases with urinary tract infections (UTI) were studied for their susceptibility to some of the available quinolones as compared to other commonly used antimicrobial agents in UTI. Resistance to nalidixic acid was observed in 62.4% of isolates whereas for pefloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and lomifloxacin it was 54.7%, 52.5%, 51.5% and 50.3% respectively. Aminoglycosides and third generation cephalosporins showed resistance in fewer isolates. Gentamicin resistance was observed in 21% and corresponding figure for amikacin, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone was 7%, 8.9% and 12.1% respectively. Nitrofurantoin showed resistance in 36.3% of isolates and 48% isolates were resistant to cephalexin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of quinolones was more than 64 mcg/ml which is > 8 times in resistant strains as compared to sensitive isolates.

Effect of omeprazole on movement of intravenously administered metronidazole into gastric juice and its significance in treatment of Helicobacter pylori

Four healthy, Helicobacter-negative volunteers were studied to determine the effect of omeprazole on the movement of metronidazole across the gastric mucosa into the gastric lumen. Each received a 500-mg intravenous infusion of metronidazole and repeated serum, and gastric juice samples were obtained concomitantly over an 8-hr study via indwelling intravenous catheter and nasogastric tube. The same protocol was repeated following one week of oral omeprazole 20 mg twice daily. Metronidazole concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results demonstrated that: metronidazole moves rapidly from serum into gastric juice; omeprazole causes a marked reduction in total metronidazole concentrations in gastric juice, completely accounted for by pH-related shifts in the proportion of ionized metronidazole, but does not alter concentrations of nonionized metronidazole, which remain above the MIC level against H. pylori; and even under conditions where no pH-related drug trapping occurs (pH > 4), concentrations of metronidazole were higher in gastric juice than in serum during most of the study, indicating that a special transport mechanism may be operational. The practical implication of this effect of omeprazole in combination therapy with metronidazole remains to be established.

Hospital portrayal of seniors in newspaper advertisements: a content analysis

The purpose of this inquiry was to analyze: (a) the extent to which hospitals employed senior citizens as models in their advertisements, (b) the roles of these models and their active-passive status, and (c) the degree to which the advertisements portrayed seniors in a positive or negative status. Content analysis was employed to assess these issues. Hypotheses about the portrayal of senior citizens by hospitals were tested by examining advertisements in newspapers. The analysis provided some findings which should be of value to researchers and practitioners in the health care industry.